Was that an article or an editorial?
Seriously...
Quote:
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Perhaps in that sense taxation without representation is also an element of the “New Hampshire Advantage.”
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Does this writer not know the laws? The local government in a town (select board, school board, zoning board, planning board, etc.) shouldn't be made "the bad guy" because of the way the state laws are written.
One person; one vote.
When Joe Snowbird's taxes goes up, so do mine. When Joe Snowbird complains we don't have enough street lights and there's no curbside pickup for trash and why isn't Alton more like [insert city in MA, NJ, NY, CT, etc. here] I think - "thank God because I moved here to get away from that and don't want to pay more taxes for it!"
And let's take those decisions made by the voters a bit further - what about the warrant articles that have to do with zoning or money to be raised for human services? What does Joe Snowbird really know about those programs and the community that he is living in for 3-4 months out of the year?
In no way do I feel animosity towards the folks with seasonal homes here but a slanted article called "news", if the editor was honest, should have ran under the section called "opinion" because not all the facts - such as the state laws - are not even mentioned. Was it really a slow news day?
Not mentioned are the benefits Joe Snowbird receives from the town budget that's passed; with lots of care to great firework displays on July 4, extra landscaping, plenty of summertime activities for people of all ages via the Parks and Rec department, extra police and fire coverage needed for the summer, roads in good repair, extra waste management needed (landfill), and so much more...
And why Barnstead was picked for this comparison is beyond me. Barnstead is not on Lake Winni....
EDITED TO ADD: The reference to "Joe Snowbird" is just my short way of saying "the average seasonal resident" - it's not derogatory and I don't mean for it to be... Thanks!